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Tight end Daniel Fells’s future in Foxborough could hinge on whether the Patriots place Rob Gronkowski on the PUP list to start the season.

The Patriots currently have 84 players on their roster. By Tuesday afternoon, they must cut to at least 75, and by next Saturday they have to get down to the regular-season limit of 53.

The roster established next Saturday likely will not be the same 53 the Patriots use in their regular-season opener on Sept. 8 in Buffalo; there is always shuffling, particularly if a desirable player becomes available.

After three exhibition games, here’s one writer’s prediction on which current Patriots will make the 53-man roster:

QUARTERBACK (2): Tom Brady, Ryan Mallett; Released: Tim Tebow

It’s possible Tebow will stay, if only so Josh McDaniels can continue to try to develop his former first-round pick into a serviceable NFL quarterback. But since Tebow does not have any practice-squad eligibility, the Patriots would have to dedicate a roster spot to someone who projects to have little, if any, impact during the season.

Develin is a wild-card pick, and there are some who think Blount will make it over Bolden. One of Blount’s big issues is he struggles in pass protection. Although the Patriots had Blount return kickoffs in Detroit, he’s never been a return man in the NFL, and doesn’t seem to have the speed required. If Blount isn’t a returner, he really doesn’t offer anything on special teams; Bolden does. Washington has been unimpressive this preseason as a returner, but has a proven track record and the Patriots need improvement in kickoff returns. Plus, he can be a change-of-pace back for the offense.

Once veteran Michael Jenkins was released, it was clear the Patriots were on board with their youth movement at the position. Aiken will likely come back as a practice-squad player, and Harrison will either start the season on the physically unable to perform list or perhaps be placed on injured reserve.

If the Patriots keep Gronkowski on PUP to open the season, Fells could stay. The veteran had a strong start to camp, but has missed time recently because of injury and has a salary cap number of nearly $1.6 million (cutting him would save $916,000). Ballard is making progress from his ACL and microfracture surgeries, and Hoomanawanui is versatile. Sudfeld has shown great promise, and Brady has looked to him frequently.

This group remains largely intact from last season, though Cannon could replace Connolly at right guard. Svitek, signed for tackle depth, has done an admirable job at guard and upped his chances of sticking. The Patriots typically keep one or two offensive linemen on the practice squad, and Kline, McDonald, Patterson, Schwab, and Stankiewitch all have eligibility.

Vellano gets the nod over Bequette. The Patriots rarely throw in the towel on third-round picks after just one year, but Bequette has not made an impact this camp, and Vellano, the undrafted rookie from Maryland, started at tackle against the Lions and acquitted himself well. Benard, who was not in the league last season, has played well in camp and can give New England much-needed depth in the pass rush.

Ninkovich’s flexibility helps; he spends time in both the defensive line and linebacker rooms, and has experience at both. Collins is a work in progress. He’s been moved all over as the team tries to find his niche. Fletcher has drawn positive marks for his recovery from a torn ACL.

Despite his injury issues, it’s tough cutting Dowling — when he’s healthy, he’s been a starter, so clearly the Patriots like him. But he can’t contribute from the trainer’s room. The safety rotation still needs to be worked out, though McCourty was paired with Gregory in Detroit. Adrian Wilson provides a veteran presence but hasn’t made an impact on the field yet. Tavon Wilson has yet to make the second-year jump.

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